Projects
Characterizing biosignatures in mood-related disorders KU Leuven
Circadian rhythms (CRs) include all autonomous physiological processes (e.g. sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, cortisol and melatonin levels) which are synchronized to a 24-hour cycle. These rhythms are regulated by an endogenous ‘circadian clock’, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus, also referred to as the ‘master clock’. Although our internal clock has an endogenous rhythm, it is synchronized with the ...
Micro-mechanisms of anhedonia, and its consequences for future mental health KU Leuven
Anhedonia, one of the two core symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is defined as the loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities that were previously enjoyed (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although this definition fits clinicians’ needs, scientifically, we know very little about anhedonia.
So far, research indicated that nearly 1 in 5 individuals experience at least one episode of anhedonia during adolescence ...
Insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders through the study of the ANK3 gene. University of Antwerp
Methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1-1F and impact on HPA axis function in non-pulsatile tinnitus with and without panic attacks. University of Antwerp
Households in mental health care: an experimental study on the role of the household in the care for people with a severe mental illness in South Africa. University of Antwerp
Neurophysiological mechanisms of hypoperfusion in stroke KU Leuven
Perception, action and cognition are achieved through complex functional interactions between highly interconnected regions in the brain. Blood supply plays a key role in supporting the reorganization of brain functional architecture. Thus, an abnormal blood supply in a brain area can disrupt this coordinated activity, and yields behavioural deficits, which can strongly affect people’s quality of life.
In this project, I will shed light ...
Effectiveness, Dissemination & Implementation of Memory Specificity Training KU Leuven
A deficit in the ability to retrieve specific autobiographical memories, referred to as reduced autobiographical memory specificity (rAMS), is considered to be a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor. Since 2009 one intervention called Memory Specificity Training (MeST), has repeatedly been been shown to successfully remediate rAMS. In some examinations, concomitant effects of MeST on related psychological processes such as ...
Electric stimulation in the brain cavity wall to reduce its associated symptoms. A generic approach applied in central post-stroke pain. KU Leuven
Millions of people worldwide suffer from neurological symptoms that are associated with an abnormal brain cavity (aBC). This aBC is the anatomical result of neuronal loss, mostly after stroke, brain trauma, surgery or infection. The symptomatology is dependent on the location and extent of the aBC.
We hypothesised that electrical stimulation of the aBC wall can alleviate aBC-associated symptoms. This is reasonable, as there is ...